Erraid Island
Small tidal island off Iona used for retreat
A tidal island off southern Mull near Iona, Erraid is reached at low tide or by small boat; walkers and kayakers visit for rocky shorelines, simple shelters and coastal birdwatching.
Erraid at a Glance#
Address: Erraid, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
About Erraid#
Erraid is a small tidal island in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, located near the islands of Iona and the south-west of Mull. It is uninhabited for most of the year and is known for its rocky shoreline and coastal habitats.
The island’s shoreline, rock formations and intertidal areas attract walkers, birdwatchers and those interested in coastal geology. There are no large facilities; visits are typically short and require arranging boat transport from nearby islands or the mainland.
Historically the island has been used seasonally for grazing and occasional small-scale habitation; more recently it has been visited for recreation and study of coastal environments.
Erraid lies off the southwest coast of the Isle of Mull in Argyll and Bute, in the Inner Hebrides, and is reached from nearby ferry points and boat landings on Mull and Iona.
- Access: A small tidal island in the Inner Hebrides close to the southwest coast of the Isle of Mull and the island of Iona, reached by private boat.
How to Get to Erraid#
Access is by small private boat from the Ross of Mull or by organized boat trips. Landing depends on tide and weather; local skippers know the safe spots.
Tips for Visiting Erraid#
- Coordinate with the community-run hostel if planning to stay; island hospitality is informal and limited.
- Tide and weather determine landing options - arrange a skipper who knows local conditions.
Best Time to Visit Erraid#
Late spring to early autumn is the practical season for visiting; crossings are weather-dependent.
Weather & Climate near Erraid#
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1635 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 199 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 122 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 146 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 88 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 69 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 13° | 78 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 12° - 17° | 14° | 101 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 12° - 17° | 15° | 123 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Acceptable | 11° - 15° | 13° | 162 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 182 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 10° | 4° | 186 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 8° | 2° | 179 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
